The international standard for low voltage switchboard

arrangements, IEC 61439 'Low-voltage switchgear and

control gear assemblies' sets out criteria for the internal
subdivision of the busbars, functional units and external
cable terminals within switchgear assemblies. These
subdivisions known as ‘Forms of Separation’, can be
achieved using metallic or non-metallic physical barriers
or insulation.

IEC 61439 outlines 4 main forms of assembly separation;

Form 1 - No segregation between busbar, terminals and

functional units

Form 2 - Functional units are separated from the busbar

Form 3 - Busbar is separated from the functional units and

the functional units are separated from each other

Form 4 - Busbars are segregated from the functional units

and terminals. Functional units are segregated from each
other.

The primary function of switchgear assembly separation

is to protect the installer or operator from any electrical
risk. Assembly separation facilitates safe access for
personnel by ensuring the following;

 Protection against contact with live components

belonging to the adjacent functional units. The
degree of protection must be at least IPXXB
 Protection against solid foreign bodies being passed
from one unit of an assembly to an adjacent unit.
The degree of protection shall be at least IP2X.
 Limited risk of starting or propagating an internal
arc.

In order to verify the separation of a switchgear assembly

the appropriate IP test must be conducted inline with BS
EN 60529
Choosing a Form of Separation
Whilst the safety benefits achieved through switchgear
assembly separation are apparent, the benefits or
drawbacks of any given form are not defined. The form
chosen will be subject to agreement between the
manufacturer and end user and should only be determined
once the project requirements have been fully assessed.
Key points to consider are as follows;

 The consequences of isolating the assembly

 Nature of task to be performed and the access
required. i.e. is access to functional units needed
whilst adjacent parts are live?
 Competence of person undertaking work whilst the
remainder of the assembly is energized.
 Usually the higher the form of separation, the bigger
the unit will be. Partitions take up additional space
and can restrict airflow, warranting larger
components to achieve required circuit ratings.
 The higher the form of separation, the more barriers
and partitions that will be required. The extra
materials and labor will increase the cost of
construction.
 Is there a danger of small components falling from
one compartment to another causing a hazard?
 Can temporary barriers be effectively used during
periods of maintenance to supplement the protection
provided by separation.
 The additional safety that can be provided using
Personal Protective Equipment.

Forms of Separation in Detail

Form 1

No internal separation of the busbars, functional units or

cable terminals from each other. Suitable for small low
power switchboards.
Form 2

Functional units are separated from the busbars

Form 2a
External cable terminals are not separated from the
busbar

Form 2b Type
External cable terminals are separated from the busbar.
Busbar separation is achieved by insulated coverings –
sleeving, wrapping or coating
Form 2b Type 2
As form 2b type 1
Busbar separation is achieved by partitions and barriers.

Form 3

Internal separation of the busbar from the functional units

and the functional units from each other via cubicles.
External cable terminals are separated from their
respective functional units but not from each other.

Form 3a
Terminals for external cabling are not separated from
busbars

Form 3b Type 1
Terminals for external conductors are separated from the
respective functional unit and the busbars.
Terminals are not separated from each other
Busbar separation is achieved by insulated coverings
sleeving, wrapping or coating
Form 3b Type 2
As form 3b type 1
Busbar separation is achieved by partitions and barriers.

Form 4
Form 4 is the highest form rating. Busbars are segregated
from the functional units and terminals for external
cabling. Functional units are segregated from each other.

Form 4a Type 1
The terminals for external cabling are in the same
compartment as the associated functional unit but
segregated from terminals for other functional units
Busbar separation is achieved by insulated coverings
sleeving, wrapping or coating
Form 4a Type 2 & 3
As form 4a type 1
Busbar separation is achieved by partitions and barriers.
Type 3 requires individual, integral cable glanding
facilities to be provided for each circuit.

Form 4b Type 4
Terminals for external cabling are not in the same
compartment as the associated functional unit.
Busbar, functional units and terminals are all fully
segregated from each other
Busbar separation is achieved by insulated coverings
sleeving, wrapping or coating
Form 4b Type 5, 6 & 7
As form 4b type 4
Type 5 requires busbar separation by partitions and
barriers with outgoing terminals separated by insulated
coverings.
Type 6 requires busbars and terminals are separated by
partitions and barriers
Type 7 requires Individual, integral cable glanding
facilities to be provided for each circuit. Busbars and
extended terminals are separated by partitions and
barriers

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